RNU Ard Comhairle Members Detained, Harassed And One Arrested At Airport.

“Earlier today a Republican Network for Unity Ard Comhairle delegation, returning from a series of meetings in Glasgow, was detained at Belfast International Airport arrivals by a group of approximately twenty (20) uniformed and plain clothed RUC/PSNI members. As one an Ard Comhairle member from Derry was being questioned, the plain clothed RUC/PSNI man menacingly told him that he was well aware of the make up of the individual’s family and of the details and names of his children. The same plain clothed RUC/PSNI man then inquired if he had any information on those he was travelling with and/or of the RNU in general.

“Earlier today a Republican Network for Unity Ard Comhairle delegation, returning from a series of meetings in Glasgow, was detained at Belfast International Airport arrivals by a group of approximately twenty (20) uniformed and plain clothed RUC/PSNI members. As one an Ard Comhairle member from Derry was being questioned, the plain clothed RUC/PSNI man menacingly told him that he was well aware of the make up of the individual’s family and of the details and names of his children. The same plain clothed RUC/PSNI man then inquired if he had any information on those he was travelling with and/or of the RNU in general.

Ard Comhairle member Tony (T.C.) Catney was then arrested. As another member of the RNU delegation tried speaking with T.C. as Gaeilge about what was happening, the group of RUC/PSNI surrounding them began laughing and making idiotic noises concerning the Irish language. Openly handcuffed T.C. was lead through the main Airport terminal by four uniformed armed and two plain clothes RUC/PSNI men.

This arrest is but the latest in a catalogue of measures directed in recent months against the supporters and membership of the Republican Network for Unity. This has ranged from being the targets of continual stop and searches, raids upon our members and supporters homes, through press briefings which have been aimed at smearing individuals, T.C. being one of them.
The Republican Network for Unity resolves to continue to articulate and maintain resolute principled republican political opposition against the charade which is known as the ‘Good Friday Agreement’.

The Republican Network for Unity calls for the immediate release of Tony Catney.”